CHARGERS: Clary could be out for season with sprained ankle ligament

SAN DIEGO ---- The prognosis on Jeromey Clary's injured left
ankle is not good.

The Chargers right tackle sprained a ligament in the fourth
quarter of Sunday's 32-3 victory at Denver, a costly setback that
could have a lasting impact. It might even end Clary's season.

"I think that would be premature," Chargers coach Norv Turner
said. "But that is a concern of mine, yes."

Turner said Clary's immediate future would be determined later
in the week after further tests and evaluation. Even if Clary can
come back, it probably won't happen until near the end of the
regular season or early in the playoffs. If that doesn't look like
a realistic possibility, the Chargers could put him on injured
reserve and add another player.

No matter how long Clary is out, his absence is a major setback
for an offensive line that has played its best football in the last
two weeks. Clary has struggled at times, but he improved his play
recently despite suffering a sprained right ankle against
Philadelphia on Nov. 15.

Brandyn Dombrowski practiced in Clary's place last week and was
on track to start Sunday, but Clary proved himself healthy enough
for action. He played well against the Broncos, but had to be
carted off the field in the fourth quarter with an injury to his
opposite ankle.

Now the Chargers must move forward with Dombrowski, who
practiced at left tackle in the preseason and has two starts this
season at right guard. Corey Clark, signed off the practice squad
last week, will back up Dombrowski in Sunday's home game against
Kansas City.

"Dombrowski took all the snaps last week, and we were prepared
to play with Brandyn," Turner said. "Once Jeromey was able to go
Friday, obviously we were going to go that route. It bought a week
for Brandyn. He'll be a week better. He'll prepare again this week
the same way and he'll be ready to play."

The San Diego State graduate must hit the ground running if the
Chargers are to maintain their improvement in the running game and
in pass protection.

"We really don't have time for an adjustment period, not at this
point in the season," quarterback Philip Rivers said. "Any
corrections will get made during the week. I'm confident that we'll
be ready to go on Sunday."

Other injuries

Clary's injury was the worst suffered against Denver, but it
wasn't the only one. Defensive end Luis Castillo was carted off the
field in the first half with a calf strain and did not return.
Turner said Castillo will be re-evaluated each day, and his playing
status will be determined this weekend.

"I'm going to take it one day at a time, but I'm hopeful that
I'll be able to play," Castillo said. "If I can't go or even
practice, then I'm going to work on other facets of my game and try
to learn something and improve my play. This time won't be
wasted."

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson took a shot to the ribs against
the Broncos, but he's expected to be fine later in the week.
Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman aggravated his foot injury, but
will play against the Chiefs.